Whole Language versus Phonics Essay -- Education Language Communicatio

Whole Language versus Phonics Whole Language versus Phonics has been a question among many top educational groups for years. Which is the best way to teach kindergarten children the proper way to speak and learn the English Language? There are many valid reasons why experts argue for both phonics and/or whole language. Both seem to be exceptional ways to master the English Language. The purpose of this research paper is to compare phonics versus whole language and to determine how technology can support each approach. The history of the use of phonics dates back to the 1700’s. Backs then, children were taught to read through their memorization of the twenty-six-letter alphabet. Since many books hadn’t been written, their primary textbook was the Bible. Although there is no accounts for when whole language originated some believe that it was around the same time as phonics. The whole language reading method was widespread for thirty years, from around 1940 to 1970. From around 1970 to 1990, phonics was popular. Whole Language gained the most recent foothold around 1990. (Stahl 1996) Several times they have gone back and forth. The debate over whole language and phonics has gone on for years. Which way is best in teaching children how to read? The education world has been debating this issue for years and there still are no exact answers. In more recent year’s instruction specialist have argued that some sort of middle ground should be reached because it would give children the benefits of both. (Cromwell 1997) Some form of middle ground needs to be obtained if children’s needs are going to be met. What is whole language? It is the process of learning a language through whole word teaching. Combining reading, writing and s... ...1997). Phonics vs. whole language: Which is better? Retrieved May 2, 2004, http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/features/reading/phonics.shtml IRA. (December 2001) Integrating Literacy and Technology in the Curriculum. Retrieved May 3, 2004, http://www.reading.org/positions/technology.html Stahl, S. (1996) History of reading. Microsoft Encarta 96 Encyclopedia. (CD- ROM). Washington: Microsoft Corporation. Ghate, O. (November 20, 2003). Modern "Educators" vs. Reading. Capitalism Magazine, Page Unknown, Retrieved May 3, 2004. http://capmag.com/article.asp?ID=3337 Sanchez, R. (March 19, 1998). A mixed approach to reading. Washington Post, Page A02, Retrieved February 26, 2004. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A99123-1998Mar19Â ¬Found=true Young, Laura (2004). Interview at Alpine Elementary, Pearblossom, California.